Pontrhydyfen made a stunning start to the defence of their Neath and District Bowling Association title easily accounting for deadly rivals Glyncorrwg

They won the match 96-72 and picked up 12 points in the process to make quite clear their intentions.

International Jeff Wilkins was in sensational form as he skipped his rink to an overwhelming 32-15 triumph.

Skewen, who won less than half their games last season and only steered cleared of relegation in the closing stages of the campaign, had to pull out all the stops to beat Tick Tock 78-76,a result which yielded them 10 points.

Briton Ferry Steel, who missed out on a place in the top flight by the narrowest of margins in 2004, made a confident start to thi summer's programme, beating Llansawel 85-75.

Swansea Vale,Ystradgynlais and Croeserw were among other clubs who made bright starts to the season.

There was a major surprise in Carmarthenshire where former holders Brynhyfryd slipped to an 84-77 defeat by Parc Y Dre in the first round robin matches in the Carruthers Shield Welsh inter-club championship.

New Dock were in brilliant form in hammering New Lodge 116-41, while Gorseinon also recorded an emphatic succcess, ovderwhelming Garden Village 101-65.